4. Auction (2)

"Behold, everyone, the late Queen Castiella's favorite and masterpiece: The Angel's Tear."

The guests gasp in awe of the necklace. It was known for its simplicity that complimented the warm and kind personality of the late queen.

The late Queen Castiella was known for making her own jewelries and The Angel's Tear was the last piece she had made. It was said that the necklace is to be given to the crown princess when she came of age. Unfortunately, the necklace was lost at the time the queen lost her life.

It is a great shock for everyone present in the auction to find the necklace at the banquet of Precious Gems. It is no wonder the Princess was invited.

July clench her fist and gritted her teeth. So this is the last item Conrad is talking about.

December… you've done it this time!

"The bid starts at 200 million."

Nobody dared to bid anything in the Princess' presence. They all know that the Princess is the who deserves the necklace as she is the next in line of the throne of Country P.

"250 million."

All eyes turned at the left corner of the room where a lone woman wearing jeans and shirt stood. They started to whisper to each other of how bold the woman is.

"Woah… I think she got to the wrong place. Look at her clothes!"

"Crashing a party liek this. What a disgrace!"

"Why isn't the security throwing that stray dog out?"

Dianne laughed as some of the words from the people reach her ears.

"Oy, I must commend these guests of yours, Snow. They are the same as their princess," Dianne whispered to December who returned to her side after taking a phone call.

December, on the other hand just rolled her eyes and gestured for Mr. Kohl to continue.

"250 for Ms. Dianne Walter. Is there anybody who wants to raise it to 300?"

July glared at Dianne and December and motioned for her attendant to bid.

"500 million," the attendant announced making the whole hall resound with a gasp.

Everybody thought that this bidding will be over as the Princess already made her bid, but the unexpected happened.

"550," Dianne declared.

"750 million," the attendant countered making the whole crowd start to enjoy the bidding.

They are eager to know what will happen to Dianne who chose to offend the Princess. As the amount for the Angel's Tear increased some of the guests have started to realize who Dianne is, but none can speak out loud of her identity as they know that it will do them more harm than good.

"1 billion!"

July clench her fist as she decided to make the amount exorbitant so her rival would stop trying to covet what was supposed to be hers.

That necklace is meant for me! I am the future queen of this country!

"Oh.. what a pity…" Dianne muttered making everyone think that it is finally over.

But the game is not yet over for Dianne.

"5 billion."

The whole crowd fell into silence. They did not believe that Dianne had guts to go this far in antagonizing the princess of their Kingdom.

July stood up in rage and was about to scold Dianne when a voice beside her resounded.

"10 billion."

"Conrad…" July was touched upon hearing her fiancé bidding for the necklace.

Dianne smirk when she heard the man's bid and turned to December. "It really s a pity that I did not bring enough money to compete with him. Well, whatever. As if I can really compete with him."

December did not reply and just stared at the man who is looking at the table as if he doesn't care about where he is.

"Congratulations for the Duke Winston in winning the Angel's Tear! This conclude our event for tonight. Have a good night everyone!" Mr. Kohl announced and the whole crowd stood to clap in admiration for the Duke.

What Conrad did earned respect and admiration from the people present.

"The duke really loved the princess. He did not let her suffer defeat in this auction."

***

As the banquet ended by midnight, the couple have decided to stay at the hotel for the rest of the night.

"Conrad, thank you for getting that necklace for me," July said as she leaned her head to his shoulder and although the man kept silent, she is still content knowing that she had obtained the necklace.

Stopping at the front of the room where July will stay, Conrad slightly bowed, "Good night, Princess."

"Good night, honey."

July unexpectedly kissed him on the cheeks and entered the room in a happy mood.

"That was sweet."

Conrad turned around and saw December who have already change into casual clothing. He just slightly smiled and bowed to her.

"Greeting, your highness."

December flinched when she heard what he called her . "Heh. Like I'm still a princess. You don't need to bow to me."

She walked towards the balcony at the end of the hall of the hotel and Conrad followed..

"It may have been a long time since you came at the country, but you are still a princess… if you choose to be," Conrad said after a while of silence.

December chuckled and stared at the sleeping city.

"Is it? I wonder if its that easy."

"The king have been waiting for you to come back," Conrad said making December shake her head.

"Is he? I doubt it." December whispered and closed her eyes as she remembered the first time she have met her father.